Seaside Knitters Mysteries

Moving all the way across the country to Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, the Seaside Knitters Mysteries (by Sally Goldenbaum) use several characters to solve the mystery. Knit shop owner Izzy Chambers Perry relies on her Aunt Nell and the other knitters to solve the murder of a hitchhiker. Izzy's brother Charlie unexpectedly returns from a long absence and is soon accused of the crime.

The Seaside Knitters use all their talents to solve the mystery while they continue knitting tiny ornaments for the first annual tree-decorating contest. Although Izzy is the lead character, I always find Aunt Nell solves the mystery in a more theoretical way.

The relationship among the generations featured in this book is what makes them so special to read. For example a group of knitters meets once a week at Izzy's shop. The same group and their spouses or significant others enjoy a weekly Friday night dinner at Aunt Nell's home and they all contribute something delicious to eat. Sunday mornings finds them informally gathering at a local restaurant. I enjoy the conviviality of the group and the moveable feast they provide.

Trimmed with Murder is Book #10 in the series, so do yourself a favor and start at the beginning

with Book #1 Death By Cashmere.

Review: Imogene in New Orleans

Imogene in New Orleans by Hunter Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although this book does not follow the pattern of Map Your Mystery blog, I had to include it. Wacky, wild and entertaining. I really enjoyed the New Orleans locale having just returned from a trip there for Mardi Gras. It was like a return trip to the wonderful world of New Orleans. Where is Imogene headed next? Can't wait to find out

View all my reviews

Montana - Big Sky Country

Montana probably would not be the first location that comes to mind when you think about locally-grown food and cozy mysteries. Author Leslie Budewitz brings Montana foods to life in her Food Lovers' Village Mysteries.

In Death Al Dente, the setting is Jewel Bay, Montana, 30 miles from Glacier National Park. Glacier Mercantile owner Erin Murphy and her mother Fresca (short for Francesa) aim to give tourists the opportunity to take home a "Taste of Montana". Fresca makes her delicious tomato sauces, homemade pasta and other Italian specialties sold in The Merc. More than two dozen local producers  provide Montana products for sale, including chocolate covered huckleberry truffles, jams, seasonal produce and more.

Erin, newly returned home from Seattle to help manage The Merc,

is the Queen of Festivals. Her first Festa di Pasta is set to begin when a body is found behind The Merc on the Festa's Opening Night. Fresca is accused of the crime and Erin must search for the real killer.

I found this series fun and I love the entrepreneurial spirit of the lead character. Erin is always on the watch for other products to add to her mix. I'm not sure I would ever eat a huckleberry, but maybe if I travel to Jewel Bay, Montana, Erin might change my mind.

Checkout other books in this series.

Mystery loves this country

The setting of a mystery book may not be as important as the clues surrounding the mystery, but in cozy mysteries, it adds to the flavor. Speaking of flavor, there are many, many cozy mysteries with all types of businesses as the central focus - bake shop, knitters shops, libraries, charmed bakeries and so much more. The businesses as well as their location make for a fun read.

My plan with this blog is to take you on a tour of the United States (at first) and plot out where your favorite mysteries are set. Maybe you will find a mystery you have not read or a business you might want to own yourself.

If you have a favorite book or a location you would like to recommend, please email me at mapyourmystery@gmail.com. If the book is one of a series, make sure you send the title of the first in the series. I'm like that - need to read from the beginning of the series.